Friday, October 13, 2017

The best way to deal with a parking lot accident by Tricia Zwirner, State Farm Insurance

Especially
while tourists are here to leaf peep this fall, and even on many typical
weekends, parking lots at malls and supermarkets are packed; increasing the
possibility of a fender bender.

If
you hit, scrape, or otherwise damage a parked car—or if you're the victim of
such an accident—don't panic. Here are some simple steps you can take:

If
you're the driver:

Don't
drive away. If another customer or a surveillance camera spots you, you could
be punished for a hit-and-run.

Track
down the other car's owner. Head into the store and speak to someone at the
customer service desk. Describe the car to the employee, and have him or her
announce it over the store's loudspeaker.

Leave
a note. If you're unable to find the other driver, jot down basic
information—your name, phone number, and a brief explanation of the
accident—and place it in a secure spot on the car. Write down the license plate
number and take a photo of the damage if you have a camera or smartphone with
you.

Call
the police. Depending on how extensive the damage is, you may want to involve
the police.

They'll document the accident and they can help you find the other
car's owner.

If
you're the victim:

Contact
your agent. Let him or her know what happened as soon as possible. Your agent
will help you determine the next steps.

Record
evidence. Take pictures of the other driver’s insurance ID card as well as
damage to both vehicles with your phone or a camera, if you have one on hand.

Take
thorough notes. If the other driver is still around, jot down his or her name,
address, phone number, driver's license number, and insurance company. Gather
as much information as possible.

Get
backup. Ask others in the parking lot if they witnessed anything. Also head
back into the store and find out if they have security camera footage you can
check.

If
you're the witness:

Provide
assistance. If the offending driver is gone, help the other driver document the
damage. Give the driver your contact information in case his or her insurance
agent or the police need to contact you for further comment.